Bill's insightful review of the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675 with 'Concorde hands' offers a deep dive into a rare and often misunderstood vintage reference. His meticulous research, drawing from period advertisements and Rolex price lists, provides invaluable context for collectors seeking to understand the nuances of this short-lived gold GMT-Master variant. This article illuminates why the 'Concorde hands' 1675 stands out as a unique and highly sought-after piece in Rolex's storied history.
The reference Rolex 1675 in gold is great model to own. But when it comes to a unique model with very few example circulating the Rolex 1675 with Concorde hands is a rare reference to own.
Rolex 1675 18k Concorde hands
First why the name "Concorde hands" well this is a nick name rather tgan a Rolex reference which is believed to have come from the Rolex advertisement ofvthe late 60's featuring a Concorde Pilot wearing the watch. I think that name as stuck with collectors worldwide.
Notice the price. $1,100 establishing the earliest price for the gold
Gmt 1675 with the concorde hands.
Rolex brochure 1675 concorde hands
So what is unique about the model. Well we can start with the hands. They are neither the Dauphine style from the earlier rolex 1675 no crown guard or the later and better known Mercedes hands which we all know very well. These hand long and flat and are specefic to this gold model 1675 which was produced for a very short time late 1968 - 1969 period sometime between serial 1.7 mil and 1.9 / 2,00x,xxx.
Concorde hands rolex 1675
Now to boil it down to real essence of the correct and uniqueness of this Concorde hands model. This reference 1675 shared the same dial as the no crown guard model just prior to the change to the crown guard. The transition from the non crown guard went from the 6542 Bakelite model which existed in gold with a brown Bakelite insert. I am not sure exactly when the 1675 reference replacing the 6542 was introduced with introducing the 1675 no crown guard and we arrive at the transition to crown guard model 1675 in gold featuring the same dial as the non crownguard withe the Concorde hands.
Back to the special feature of the correct dial for the Concorde hands model as shared with the no crown guard. The unique feature appearing on the non crown guard and the Rolex 1675 Concorde hands is the presence of a "dash line" between Oyster-Perpetual on the dial.
Notice the dash between oyster and perpetual in the no crown guard
Concorde hands with correct dash dial.
While there are a few examples in the wild of the Concorde hands it is my observation that the correct dial is the one with the dash line separator. You will quickly observe that there are very few models both non crown guard and 1675 Concorde with the early dash separator dial. Under a loop you can see some texture difference shared with the non crown guard model. While you can find Concorde hands having dials without the seperation dash i think this is a later dial. I also say the same is the case with non crown guard models missing the dash. I hope you enjoyed this little exposé on the rolex GMT 18k 1675 Concorde hands. Bill
About the Rolex GMT Ref. 1675
The GMT-Master reference 1675 is a significant model in the brand's history, representing an evolution from earlier GMT-Master references. It was produced for an extended period, allowing for numerous dial, bezel, and hand variations throughout its production run. This reference is notable for its introduction of crown guards, enhancing the watch's robustness and contributing to its distinct profile. It solidified the GMT-Master's design language, which would influence subsequent generations.
This reference features a 40mm case, available in stainless steel, yellow gold, or a two-tone combination of steel and yellow gold. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 1575, a chronometer-certified movement known for its reliability and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The bidirectional rotating bezel, typically with an aluminum insert, displays a 24-hour scale.
For collectors, the 1675 is highly sought after due to its long production period and the resulting variety of configurations, including different dial types (gilt, matte), hand styles, and bezel colors (Pepsi, all-red, all-black). Its four-digit reference number and acrylic crystal are key characteristics that define it as a vintage Rolex. The reference appeals to those interested in the historical development of the GMT-Master line and the nuances of vintage watch collecting.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 1575
- Case
- Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Acrylic
About the Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 6542
The GMT Master reference 6542 was introduced in 1955 as a specialized tool watch for pilots. It is notable for its dual time zone complication, achieved through a rotating 24-hour bezel and an independently adjustable 24-hour hand. This reference marks the initial iteration of the GMT Master line, establishing the core functionality and aesthetic that would define subsequent models. Its development addressed the need for a watch capable of displaying multiple time zones simultaneously, a requirement that emerged with the advent of intercontinental air travel.
The 6542 features a 38mm stainless steel case, housing the automatic caliber 1036. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. Early examples of the 6542 are distinguished by a Bakelite bezel insert, which was later replaced by an aluminum insert due to durability concerns. The dial is typically black, often featuring gilt printing on early examples.
This reference holds significance for collectors as the foundational model of the GMT Master series. Its distinct characteristics, particularly the early Bakelite bezels and specific dial configurations, are key points of interest. The 6542 represents the original design intent for a pilot's GMT watch, making it a reference point for understanding the evolution of the model line. Variants exist with different bezel materials and dial details, contributing to its collectibility.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 1036
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 38 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 50m/165ft
- Crystal
- Acrylic
